Pictorial display device



Patented June 4, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention refers to advertising or amusement devices and more particularly to pictures and picture frames combined coordinately together. The object of this invention is to provide pictorial scenes combined with subjects that are conspicuously extended beyond a frame surrounding the general scene. Another object is to have such subject adapted to give a life-like appearance to itself and its adjoining background. A further object is to have the device capable of being made up economically. Still another ob- J'ect is to combine certain materials and articles that will accentuate the appearance of the device and give it a more realistic appearance.

Other objects will become apparent as the invention is more fully set forth.

The conventional type of picture and frame has a relatively rigid and obmutescent appearance that gets less interesting as the time of observing it becomes prolonged. This is due to the lack of depth to the paint and material used in its make-up. In this invention the picture and frame are combined so each sets out the other. To produce this effect, the scenery is preferably embossed and some subject therein is emphasized. It is further animated by the projection of a portion of the object out of the frame in a lateral manner, and the use of materials that will permit a slight movement and sparkling reflection, and sufficient to make use of slight movements of building and currents of air.

A description of a form of the device is provided herein, together With the appended drawing, in Which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a picture and frame embodying this invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the drawing.

In the drawing, a frame l is of conventional rectangular form and provided with a deep molding on all sides but without glass in front. A picture having a scenic background 2 is painted on canvas at the back and is preferably slightly embossed. One of the subjects 3 on the picture is built up from the canvas and background in a manikin or protruding form and projected so a portion 4 extends out from the frame towards one side. This is done to emphasize the fact that the subject is not restrained by the frame. The material of which the subject is made is preferably of some plastic made true to form but slightly elastic to make it sensitive to slight shaking, due to normal movements of the building and currents of air passing in the vicinity. This is to give the manikin subject an animated appearance. The subject is painted with a paint having a high light reflection of the sparkling type. When the picture is observed, its Slight reactions to the movements in the buildings have the effeet of giving the subject a life-like appearance. It is not understandable to the observer, because the movement is so slight, and his eyes inform him that some movement is taking place. It arouses his curiosity, as the impression given is that some movement is taking place while at the same time it appears to be stationary throughout. Every movement, as Well as the variation in shadows, accentuate the movement, as the paint responds to both. Movement of any kind attracts the attention of people. They follow the movements until the action is impressed on their memories. Where the movement is minute, the attention is brought to a concentration point and any message that it will convey is noted by the observer. In this case, the attention is drawn insidiously to the picture and frame because of its construction and features described. To make this feature more positive, iiexible hinges 5 are provided in the rear portions 6 and 1 respectively,

that overhang from the frame and picture. These portions 6 and 'l are loosened from the body to enable them to swing. The exible hinges act as loose connections to them. The dotted line 8 on Figure 1, indicates the lines of separation between these portions.

The subject matter, which consists of a horse body and head with an Indian of conventional form mounted thereon is made of the plastic formed solid preferably, as such is considered more suitable from a manufacturing point of View. The material is of the plastic type such as synthetic rubber or other flexible substances commonly available in the commercial world. The hinge connections 5 are preferably of fabric attached to the parts as indicated with a conventional adhesive that will do this effectively. The background 2 is of canvas, with the paint applied thereon to suit. 'Ihe projecting parts of the picture are also suitably painted to make them appear as aesthetic and conspicuous as the conditions require. The frame is painted in a conventional manner and so as to coordinate with the whole design. The frame actually acts as opening from which the subject may project and the background may be mounted. The lateral projection across the frame seems to add to its effectiveness from a visual point of View.

While but one general form of the invention is shown in the drawing and described in the speciflcations, it is not desired to limit this application for patent to this particular form or in any other way otherwise than limited by the scope thereof, as it is appreciated that other forms of construction could be made that would use the same principles and come Within the scope of the appended claim.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

A picture frame unit of the class described comprising in combination, a conventional picture frame, a conventional background Within the frame at the back thereof with a pictorial layout painted thereon, a manikin form of flexible plastic material mounted on the background and coordinated with the said layout, said material being built up solid from the background so as to 4 be the largest item of the layout relatively and extend out of the layout as if advancing therefrom and readily flexing with the vibrations of the frame when hung on a Wall so as to have a quasi-animated appearance, the manikin form extending from the background which it is pictorially a part of, and out of the frame and in a lateral direction and resting over the molding thereof to take the vibrations directly therefrom and appear moving out of the picture layout, and a plurality of flexible hinges for holding the manikin form to the background and permitting vibrations transmitted to be accentuated by flexing thereon as well as by reason of the said exible material.

BENJAMIN NITZBERG. 

